Credit and Debit Card Processing Options at First Bank of the Lake

In the true spirit of a hometown bank founded to take care of the needs of our local community, we know that credit card processing is essential to most of our lake area businesses. We also understand that people prefer to do business with others they know and trust. That's why we’ve partnered with BASYS Processing to offer credit and debit processing solutions at Lake of the Ozarks. BASYS is a family-owned payment processor, and makes accepting credit and debit cards convenient, safe, and affordable. Best of all, BASYS shares the same customer-oriented values as First Bank of the Lake. If you are looking for a credit card processing solution for your Lake of the Ozarks business, keep reading to learn about the benefits of credit card processing services at First Bank of the Lake.

BENEFITS OF BASYS

There are several things about BASYS that we think you will particularly like.  First, you will not be dealing with an automated phone system.  When you call, you will be greeted by a live, friendly voice. You will also have a dedicated account representative who will know your name, not just your account number. BASYS also has an in-house PCI Compliance team that will proactively reach out to help you achieve and maintain compliance.  At BASYS, you will appreciate knowing you are working with people who care and treat you like a person and not a transaction.

SAFETY AND SECURITY – ALERTS, APPROVALS, SECURE LOGIN

Alerts are a simple yet powerful way to stay connected to your account information where you can track as much, or as little, as you choose. Alert notifications can help you monitor your money and detect unusual account activity. You can choose to receive push notifications or email, or both. Simply set up and manage account alerts with the Mobile Banking app.

Approvals are at the heart of our Business Banking App and are essential tool that helps protect your business against fraud. Approvals that have been set-up within our desktop site carry over to your mobile device. Authorized users have the ability to approve payments and ACH transactions, wherever they are and whenever it’s convenient. Approvals offer control over large transfers of money, help identify suspicious activity, and can stop fraudulent transactions before they ever happen. If you have transactions waiting for your approval and have activated your push alerts, you'll even see an alert right on your home screen.

Logging in from your mobile device is simple and very secure. In fact, our mobile login uses the same multi-layer security that’s used as if you’re logging in from your desktop computer. We confirm your credentials along with the device you are using. You can also securely sign in with Touch ID® and Fingerprint Authentication.

VARIETY OF PROCESSING SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS

Credit Card Terminals.  We offer a complete lineup of the latest processing equipment, including fully integrated EMV terminals.

• Ethernet, dialup, or WiFi connectivity.
• Built-in printer.

 

Point-of-Sale Systems. First Bank of the Lake is pleased to offer the Clover™ solution, a cloud-based Point of Sale system with inventory, open source applications, and business management tools to ensure the best fit for your business.

• Robust reporting capabilities.
• Full suite of integrated business management tools.
• Accept strip and EMV cards, as well as contactless payments.

 

Mobile Processing. Whether it be processing on a tablet, smartphone, or fully dedicated wireless terminal, we have user friendly EMV products to fit your mobile needs.

• Accept strip and EMV cards, as well as contactless payments.
• User-friendly setup. 

Virtual Terminal Processing. BASYS Processing’s custom on-line processing system, BASYS IQ, ensures that every transaction contains the correct information to qualify at the best rates, including Business Level III rates. We also work with Authorize.net, Paytrace, ePN, and more.

• No new devices are necessary.
• Qualify for the lowest Level II/III rates.
• Full transaction and settlement history.

E-Commerce.  Let your customers shop with you 24/7 with an online shopping cart. We can help implement a secure payment solution for your e-commerce business that meets your needs while reducing the risk and cost of fraud and charge backs in the online world.

• Simplified PCI DSS compliance.
• Reduced risk of fraud and chargebacks

POS & Software Integration.  From restaurants and catering, to hospitality, to phone ordering, we can integrate with virtually all point-of-sale systems on the market including Micros, Shift4, Aloha, and more.

• Flexible integration.
• Business management tools

PAYMENT SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!

BASYS Processing makes accepting credit and debit cards convenient, safe, and affordable. You will enjoy competitive processing rates for all major card brands and have access to services and solutions including terminals, virtual terminals, e-commerce, mobile, and point-of-sale, to fit your unique business needs!  First Bank of the Lake thinks you will also appreciate the relationship you get with BASYS. Your personal account representative at BASYS is fully aware that debit and credit card processing is essential to everyday business functioning and downtime is costly and he or she will be there to help whenever you need it. If that sounds interesting and you would like to learn more about credit and debit card processing at Lake of the Ozarks, complete the Basys Contact Form by going to https://basyspro.com/referral/firstbankofthelake/ and a Basys Representative will contact you. To stay informed of all the latest news and announcements about banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, don’t forget to use the links below to follow us on social media. 

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

Applying for a Mortgage at First Bank of the Lake – 7 Types to Choose From (Part 2)

At First Bank of the Lake, we hope you enjoyed part 1 of our blog on Applying for a Mortgage at First Bank of the Lake.  As you can tell, we have a number of mortgage options for you to choose from to best suit your needs.  Last week we talked about 3 of our more standard mortgages … Fixed Rate Mortgages, Construction Permanent Loans, and Bridge Loans.  This week we are going to go into more detail about 4 other types of loans.  If you are thinking about buying, building, or refinancing a home at Lake of the Ozarks, read on!  We have the information you need to make the best decision on what type of loan would be best for your situation.  When you are ready to make the move, we invite you to reach out to one of our mortgage lenders in Osage Beach to get started.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

ARMs can be a popular mortgage choice when interest rates are high, if you only plan to stay in your home for a few years, or if you plan to refinance down the road. Most ARM loans feature an initial rate period, during which the interest rate, principal, and interest payments remain the same. Once the initial rate period expires, the interest rate will adjust once per year for the remainder of the loan term. The adjustments are based on a fluctuating index plus a margin. When the interest rate adjusts, your monthly payment will usually increase if rates go up or decrease if interest rates go down.

Often, an ARM loan may have a lower starting principal and interest payment, but at the end of the ARM loan’s initial rate period, the interest rate and monthly principal and interest payment could go up. If that happens, you will need to be prepared to make bigger payments. To help avoid significant fluctuations, interest rate caps limit how much the interest rate can go up or down at each interest rate adjustment and over the life of the loan.

Key Features:

• Available in 5/1 term.
• Fixed rate for the first five years.
• No private mortgage insurance.
• Variable rate can adjust up or down at the end of the fixed term.
• Rate increases are capped at a pre-set maximum.
• Attractive interest rates and low closing costs.

ARM loans are named by the duration of the initial rate period and how often the rate will adjust thereafter. First Bank of the Lake offers a 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage:

• The “5” stands for the 5-year initial rate period during which the interest rate remains the same.
• The “1” shows that the interest rate can adjust once per year after the initial rate period expires. An ARM loan may be a good option if you plan to move or refinance within a few years or if you expect your income to grow in the future 

Jumbo Loans

If you’re buying, financing, or building a home with a higher property value and can manage larger monthly mortgage payments, a jumbo loan, also referred to as a non-conforming loan, may be a good choice for you.

“Non-conforming” refers to loan amounts higher than the maximum conforming limits available for Fannie Mae loans. Jumbo loans are available in a variety of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options. Although they usually feature both a higher down payment amount and higher interest rate than standard mortgages, a fixed or variable-rate jumbo loan can help some people accommodate large purchases.

Key Features:

• Home financing option above $510,400.
• Variety of loan terms are available.
• Financing for primary residences and vacation homes.
• Fixed rate, adjustable rate and interest-only payment options.
• Purchase, Refinance, and Construction options available.
• Attractive interest rates and low closing costs.

Residential Lot Loans

When you find the perfect lot, you don’t need to wait until you are ready to build. You can purchase the lot now, work on creating your new home plans, and then select a builder. When you’re ready, we can also provide the construction loan and permanent financing. With so many considerations to make while preparing to build, let us take care of the lot financing.

Key Features:

• Loan amounts up to 1 million.
• Three financing options available, including interest only and fixed rate loans.
• Low down payment options.
• In-house underwriting, processing and closing.
• Up to 10 acres allowed.

When it comes to finding a lot that works for you, you should consider:

• Your price range.
• Zoning requirements for your desired area.
• Annual tax rate on the lot.
• Ordinances and covenants, including homeowner’s association (HOA).

Portfolio Loans

Our in-house portfolio loans can help potential buyers with special circumstances or atypical financing requirements, which can make it difficult to qualify for a conventional home loan. Portfolio loans offer homebuyers and homeowners with greater flexibility in the loan approval process. They feature fixed and adjustable rate terms, attractive rates, low closing costs and local lending decisions.

Key Features:

• Loan amounts from $300,000 to $30 million.
• In-house processing, underwriting and closing.
• Low down payment options.
• Expanded guidelines and specialized features.
• Interest-only options.
• Financing options for self-employed borrowers.
• Bridge financing.
• Pledged assets in lieu of cash.
• For primary or vacation homes.
• No prepayment penalty.
• No monthly mortgage insurance.
• Escrow for Homeowner’s Insurance and Taxes not required.

When it comes to home loans, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.  That’s why First Bank of the Lake offers different types of home loans to meet a variety of needs. Sometimes the specifics when buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks aren’t standard, but that doesn’t make it impossible.  Our lending experts in Osage Beach are well-versed in all our loan products and are solution-focused.  It is our goal to help you reach your goal of buying your dream home. If you have any questions, we encourage you to give us a call.  To stay informed with all our latest tips and information about banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, please follow us on our social media channels below!  

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

Applying for a Mortgage at First Bank of the Lake – 7 Types to Choose From (Part 1)

First Bank of the Lake is very customer-focused, and we know that every borrower’s situation is unique.  That is why it is important to us that we offer a variety of mortgage financing options to accommodate your needs.  If you are interested in purchasing or building a home at the Lake of the Ozarks we invite you to talk to one of our mortgage lenders in Osage Beach.  If you would like to know more about the types of mortgage financing available at our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks just keep reading!  We are going to talk about 3 of our most popular mortgages!

Fixed Rate Mortgage

A fixed rate mortgage is a perfect solution if you plan to stay in your home for a long period of time and have the peace of mind knowing that your monthly payments won’t change.  The interest is locked in, so you’ll have a consistent monthly payment and have the flexibility to choose the length of your loan. Knowing your payment will be the same each month may give you greater ability to plan a budget and pay other expenses without jeopardizing your mortgage payment. With a fixed rate mortgage from First Bank of the Lake, you have a choice of a variety of available loan terms. The overall interest you pay is more over the life of the longer-term loan, but a short-term loan often has a higher monthly principal and interest payment.

Key Features:

• A variety of loan terms are available.
• Consistent payments for the life of the loan.
• Low down payment options.
• Single family loan amounts up to $510,400.
• Attractive interest rates and low closing costs.

Construction Permanent Loan

A Construction Permanent Loan makes new home financing simple. There’s just one loan application and one closing. You can use the construction loan to build either a primary or vacation home. Our construction loans offer low closing costs, and we offer a closing credit on your permanent loan when the construction/renovation project has been completed. Our construction loan approval and construction disbursing processes have been refined to provide a superior borrower and builder experience.

Key Features:

• Loan amounts up to $5 million.
• Construction period up to 12 months.
• Loan Program options provide flexibility.
• Secure your permanent interest rate before you begin building.

Bridge Loan

It’s not uncommon for a buyer purchasing a new home to have to secure financing prior to the sale of an existing home. In this case, a bridge loan – also known as “gap financing” or a “swing loan” – can provide the money you need to help complete the new purchase. The funds from the bridge loan are then used as a down payment on the new home by leveraging the equity in your current home. By using the equity in your current home to acquire your down payment funds, you can purchase your new home now, and then pay off the temporary bridge loan when you close on the sale of your existing home.

Bridge loans can be the perfect solution for a number of different situations:

• Your dream home has come on the market for sale.
• You need to relocate for a new job.
• Your family is about to outgrow your current bedroom count.
• You don’t have a temporary housing solution between selling and buying homes,

Simply put, bridge loans are to help people transition into the next home. They say timing is everything, but real estate opportunities and life transitions rarely come at a convenient time – bridge loans can span the transitional gap.

Key Features:

• Interest only payments on a fixed rate.
• Short loan term with no prepayment penalty.
• Intended to help smoothly navigate this all-too-common homeownership predicament.

Financing Options to Fit Your Needs at First Bank of the Lake! 

If none of these three loans exactly fit your needs, we have more to tell you about in another blog!  But if you can’t wait until then, you can go to https://www.fblake.bank/for-you/mortgage-financing-options to read about them on our website. If you are not sure which option is right for you, reach out to our lending experts.  They will help guide you through the process to choose the best rate and term to make your dream home a reality!  Our team of mortgage lenders at Lake of the Ozarks makes the loan process easy.  You can start your application online or call us at (573) 348-2265.  To hear about all our latest announcements and tips, use the links below to follow us on our social media channels! 

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

Exploring What First Bank of the Lake Has to Offer Using Our Education Center!

The mission of First Bank of the Lake is to put our customers first, and we take that mission to heart in everything we do.  We know that people need access to time-saving technology that is convenient and secure to manage their accounts and keep track of their finances.  We provide that through numerous apps and services available through our bank at Lake of the Ozarks.  We also understand that with technology and a large menu of services available, there is a learning curve. 

So, we created the Education Center on our website to provide 24/7 unlimited access to video tutorials that will help you learn more about what First Bank of the Lake has to offer and how to use each service or app.  If you are interested in utilizing things like Online Bill Pay, Mobile Banking, CardValet, Money Transfers, and more, but don’t know exactly how to get started or use them to their full potential, read on!  We wrote this blog for you.

Library of Tutorials

Finding our Education Center is easy.  Just click on the Resources tab of our website and you will see it in the dropdown menu.  This is where learning begins, and you get to see our products in action!  There will be a menu of tutorials, each one broken down into sections in case you just need help with one part of the product and don’t want to hear the entire overview. They will cover products for personal banking and business banking.  When you click on a tutorial, it will open in a new window and ask your permission to leave the First Bank of the Lake website and proceed to the site for the tutorials.

Mobile Banking

Many of the products we offer at our bank in Osage Beach are integrated into Mobile Banking in general, so the tutorial for Mobile Banking is a great place to start. This video will walk you step-by-step through exactly what features are available with the Mobile Banking app and how to use them.  For example, the tutorial will explain how to use or access the following:

• Instant Balance: When enabled, users can securely preview balances without logging in.
• Touch/Fingerprint ID: Log in using your fingerprint instead of a password with Apple's Touch ID or Android's Fingerprint Authentication or Facial Recognition.
• Account Balances: View your account balances in real-time.
• Recent Transactions: View both recent and pending transactions.
• Check Images: View images of the front and back of your checks.
• Transfer Funds: Easily move money between your accounts.
• Add Contacts: Add companies and people to send money to.
• Send Money: Schedule payments to companies and people.
• Deposit Checks: Deposit paper checks using your phone's built-in camera.

There are also individual videos on things like Online Bill Pay, eStatements, and Remote Deposits.  The Mobile Banking video will talk about these features, too, but you may check the stand-alone videos for more details as well.  In addition, there are videos for the business side of these products e.g. the Business Mobile App, Business Bill Pay, etc.

Other Featured Products

There are several other handy products available at First Bank of the Lake with detailed tutorials in the Education Center library.  There is a video on Popmoney which explains how you can send money to family and friends or other individuals with just their email address or phone number.  There is a video on the CardValet app which allows you to lock and unlock your debit card using your phone, restrict purchases to locations, merchant categories, or transaction types, receive alerts based on criteria you choose, and more!  There is a video on how FDIC deposit insurance works and how to ensure your deposits if they exceed the $250,000 maximum with IntraFI Deposits.  There is even one telling how to manage money transfers with other banking institutions outside of First Bank of the Lake called External Transfers. 

Welcome to the Education Center at First Bank of the Lake!

If you have not ventured to look into any of these banking options, we think you will enjoy exploring the Education Center.  It just may inspire you to try some easy tools that can help you manage your bank accounts at the Lake of the Ozarks with proficiency! Or if it is something you don’t use very often, like Popmoney, and you just need a quick reminder of where to find it or how to use it, the Education Center tutorials are great guides.  At First Bank of the Lake, we are all about making banking easier, better, and more secure for our clients.  We hope you enjoyed this blog about the Education Center on our website. If you would like to stay up-to-date with helpful announcements and information about banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, we invite you to follow us on social media.  The links to our channels can be found below. 

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

Mobile Deposit at First Bank of the Lake - A Better Way to Deposit Checks!

If you have heard about mobile deposits but haven’t tried using them yet, you don’t know what you are missing!  The convenience of depositing checks is literally at your fingertips.  With the First Bank of the Lake Mobile Banking app, it's easy, fast & FREE! It's as simple as point, click, done. Deposit checks anywhere and anytime. It's the fastest, easiest way to get checks into your account AND it is safe and secure.  

At First Bank of the Lake, we would like to tell you a little more about how to make mobile deposits and answer some frequently asked questions.  Read on to learn more.  If you have any questions that we do not answer in this blog, please give our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks a call at (573) 348-2265.  We are here to help with all your banking needs.

How does it work?

Depositing checks has never been easier. Once you downloaded the FBOL mobile app, simply launch it on your phone and select Deposit. To deposit a check, choose the account to make your deposit. Then enter the amount. Sign the back of your check with your signature and the endorsement For Mobile Deposit Only at First Bank of the Lake. Now, take a photo of the front of the check. Photograph the check against a background that gives you strong contrast. Ensure the entire check is visible, in focus, and well lit. When ready tap the camera icon to snap your picture. If it’s clear, use it. Repeat this process for the back of the check. Once both images have been captured make your deposit. That’s it!

Is it secure?

Yes, depositing checks with Mobile Deposit is safe and secure. Every deposit you make is password protected and highly encrypted. In fact, our mobile login uses the same multi-layer security that’s used as if you’re logging in from your desktop computer. We confirm your credentials along with the device you are using. You can also securely sign in with Touch ID® and Fingerprint Authentication

What types of checks can I deposit?

You can deposit checks payable in U.S. dollars, including personal, business, and most government checks. Checks must be payable to and endorsed by the account holder.

The following are not eligible for mobile deposit: International Checks, U.S. Savings Bonds, U.S. Postal Money Orders, MoneyGram, Federal U.S. Treasury Checks, remotely created checks (whether in paper form or electronically created), convenience checks (checks drawn against a line of credit), and cash, etc.

When will my funds be available?

Generally, mobile deposits received and accepted on a business day before 4 pm CT will be available that business day.

What should I do with my check after I deposit it?

It's recommended that you write a note on the original document reminding you that the check has been deposited. Then, store the document until you’ve confirmed it's been accepted. We recommend securely holding on to your check for 30 days (or at least 7 days) after you deposit it in case we need more details from you.

How will I know if my check was deposited?

You’ll receive an email notification confirming that we’ve received your deposit and another email when we’ve accepted it for processing. Or you can view your Mobile Deposit History in the app.  There you will be able to see your deposits pending, failed, and those which have been accepted.

How do I get started?

To get started with Mobile Deposit, download the FBOL mobile app and enroll your checking or savings account(s). To use Mobile Deposit, you must first be enrolled in Online Banking. Not enrolled in Online Banking?  No problem!  Just go to https://www.fblake.bank/for-you/mobile-deposit and click on the yellow Enroll Today button.  If you're already enrolled in Online Banking, just follow these steps: 

• Go to the Apple Store or Google Play.
• Search for First Bank of the Lake or FBOL mobile.
• Download the FBOL mobile app.
• Enter your Online Banking User ID & follow the prompts. It’s that simple! 

With Mobile Deposit, making a deposit on the go is a snap!

As your hometown bank in Osage Beach, we know your time is valuable.  You have better things to do with your time than to make a trip to the bank every time you receive a check.  You also want to have access to your money as quickly as possible, and you want your financial accounts and information to be safe and protected.  Having the option of making a Mobile Deposit at Lake of the Ozarks makes banking quick, easy, and secure. So, skip the trip and use Mobile Deposit today!  For more information feel free to explore our website at https://www.fblake.bank/ or contact us here at First Bank of the Lake.  You can also follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest tips and information about banking at the Lake of the Ozarks.

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

Using Online Bill Pay to Help You Save Time and Stay Organized!

Do you dread sitting down to pay your bills each month?  Or worse, do you end up making your payments late because you forget when they are due?  You are not the only one.  At First Bank of the Lake, we know late payments not only come with late fees, but they can also hurt your credit score.  That is why we would like to tell you about Online Bill Pay at First Bank of the Lake. 

Online Bill Pay is a fast, easy, and secure way to pay all your bills in one place using your checking account at Lake of the Ozarks.  Pay your bills manually when they are due or set up automatic recurring payments.  You can even send money to friends and family.  If you would learn how to use this time-saving tool to pay your bills and send money securely online from your hometown bank at Lake of the Ozarks, read on!  

Online Bill Pay at First Bank of the Lake is a powerful, complete payment system that's secure and easy to use. And, it's FREE! With Online Bill Pay you can … 

• Easily add companies and people to pay virtually anyone.
• Set email reminders that can notify you when a bill is ready to be viewed or when it's due. 
• Take advantage of automatic, recurring payments that work best for your payment schedule and financial routine.
• Avoid the stress of late fees by making same-day or next-day payments. (Fees apply for expedited payments). 
• Stay organized with convenient eBills.
• Group similar payments like utilities, cable, and phone into categories.
• Request, receive or send payments to anyone in the U.S. with our convenient Popmoney® service.

We are Here For You.

If you have any questions about online banking, our secure messaging center helps you get answers to any questions you might have.

Need to make sure you made a payment?

Your bill history is right at your fingertips. You can search for past payments by company, date, and status, the moment you need an answer, wherever you are.

Getting started is simple. So, give it a try and see how much time it saves you!

As a bank that was founded with a mission to put your first, we are very excited to offer Online Bill Pay at Lake of the Ozarks.  Not only does it make paying your bills on time a breeze, it makes it so much easier to keep track of where your money is going, when your bills are due, and to know when they are paid.  You don’t have to worry about stamps and envelopes, you don’t have to go to the post office, and you don’t have to take notes and keep records.  All that is done for you. 

If that sounds like the solution you have been looking for, you can get started, go to https://www.fblake.bank/for-you/bill-pay and click on the Enroll Now button. Or, you can go to https://www.fblake.bank/education-center to view a video for more details.  To keep up with all the latest banking news and information from your local bank in Osage Beach, follow us on social media using the links below.

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First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence

Member FDIC. 

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Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                            (573) 348-2265 

What to Do If Your Debit Card Is Lost or Stolen

At First Bank of the Lake, we know it is a terrible feeling when you realize you can’t find your debit card, or worse if you discover it has been stolen.  Hopefully, it never happens to you, but if it does, it is good to know ahead of time just what actions you should take to be safe.  By acting quickly, you can limit your financial liability in the event that someone tries to use your card and access your account.  If you would like to know what to do if your card is lost or stolen, read on!

Step 1 – Contact Your Bank

Calling quickly to report the issue is key. If your debit card from First Bank of the Lake is lost or stolen, immediately call 800.417.8715, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Otherwise, let your bank or issuer of your debit card know that your card is missing.  If you notice a purchase or withdrawal you did not authorize, report that as soon as you realize it.  Once you have reported the loss or theft, you cannot be held liable for any purchases or withdrawals after that point according to federal law. If you have CardValet from First Bank of the Lake, you can lock your card with your phone app as soon as you realize it is missing.  You can go to https://www.fblake.bank/for-you/card-valet to learn more about CardValet and all the handy features that come with it.

Step 2 - Monitor Transactions

You will want to review your bank statements and account transactions promptly and regularly to carefully confirm debit card transactions, payments, and other transaction data.  Again, if you find anything you did not authorize, report it immediately.  Also, keep in mind, that with the CardValet App, you are able to see a real-time list of all your transactions and can set alerts to notify you when a purchase is made. 

In addition, our bank in Osage Beach offers Kasasa Protect.  It is a comprehensive and affordable service that comes with 24/7 monitoring, identity restoration services, and more! It also includes Lost Wallet Protection which allows you to take care of canceling and replacing all your important documents through one point of contact.  Restoration through your agent includes your cards, licenses, social security cards, insurance cards, passports, military IDs, and even traveler’s checks.  You can see more details about Kasasa Protect by going to https://www.fblake.bank/for-you/kasasa-protect on our website.

Step 3 - Cancel Automatic Payments

If you have automatic payments set up using the lost or stolen debit card, you will want to have those canceled. Once you deactivate your card those payments will not go through, and you don’t want to have the added stress of making late payments or damaging your credit. You will have to set up an alternative payment method until you get a new card issued.

Step 4 - Follow Up in Writing

The next step is to follow up in writing with your bank.  Give them your account number, the date and time you first knew your card was missing, as well as when and how you reported it. Send it by certified mail and request a return receipt.  It is important for you to keep good records throughout this situation.  Write down the dates when you send letters or make phone calls, who you send it to or talk to, and the information shared.  

Step 5 - Know Your Responsibility

The sooner you act, the less responsibility you will bear if your card is used fraudulently.  That is why it is so important to report the loss or theft immediately.  If you report it before someone uses your card, you are not liable for any unauthorized transactions.  If someone uses your card before it is reported, your responsibility will be determined by how quickly you reported it. If you do so within 2 business days of discovering the loss or theft your maximum loss will be $50.  If you report it between 3 business days and 60 calendar days your loss is limited to $500.  If not reported until after 60 calendar days, you are responsible for all the transactions made with that card. If unauthorized transactions are made but your card is not lost, as long as you report it within 60 days of your statement being sent to you, you will not be liable.

Your Hometown Bank is Here for You!

We know that discovering your debit card is lost or stolen is scary and your first instinct may be to panic.  As your hometown bank at Lake of the Ozarks, we want to help you get through it as quickly and easily as possible without it becoming a financial liability for you.  If you have any questions about how First Bank of the Lake can help you before, during, and after the loss of your debit card, give us a call or see more details on our website.  For more helpful tips and information regarding banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, feel free to subscribe to our social medial channels using the convenient links below!

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

                                                                    (573) 348-2265 

Keeping Your Bank Account Safe – Staying on the Look Out for Scammers

Online crime is on the rise as more of us are spending our time and managing our money online.  Most of us believe we would recognize a scam if we saw one, but you would be surprised how many people fall victim to online fraud and identity theft each year.  It is always good to be reminded of what to look out for so you can be proactive and protect your personal information and your bank accounts.  If you are interested in staying safe online and keeping your information out of the hands of scammers, First Bank of the Lake hopes you find this blog helpful!  

Stop and Think

The scammer’s whole purpose is to get you to share information with them that can be used to access your bank account or steal your identity.  Any time someone contacts you and then asks you to provide personal information, stop and think.  Just taking a moment to pause can save you from a huge headache or financial loss.  It is OK to be suspicious.  Scammers can reach out to you using names and even branding and logos that appear legit.  The phone number may appear to come from the bank, the email address may be very similar, they may even be using the name of an actual employee.  

But your hometown bank in Osage Beach will never initiate communication with you and then ask you to provide any personal information related to your account via phone, text, email, etc.  If anyone asks you to provide sensitive information and you did not initiate the contact – stop and think.  Do not provide them with any of the information they are asking for.  Do not click on any link or open attachments you are not expecting or that are from a source with which you are not familiar.

Examples

The techniques people will use to try to access someone’s bank account are numerous. But just to give you an idea, here are a few examples.  Scammers will pretend to be from a technology company and want to help you fix a non-existent problem with your computer.  They then convince you to give them remote access to your computer to correct the issue, which can also give them access to your personal information.  

Similarly, an imposter may represent themselves as a bank employee and inform you that some situation needs to be corrected, they just need to get your confirmation code or other information, or they need to transfer money out of your account.  

Some online crooks will even act like they are a family member in distress with some emergency for which they need cash right away.  They may say they have a medical emergency or need bail money or are stranded somewhere dangerous, and they need help.  This one is nicknamed the “grandparent scam” and often the person begs the grandparent not to tell the grandchild’s parent.

End Communication

If someone reaches out to you, and you did not initiate any communication with them first, question the situation.  If they are claiming to be from your local bank at Lake of the Ozarks and are asking you for personal information, the best thing to do is end the communication immediately.  Then call First Bank using the number you already have for us and let us know what happened.  Even if you have specific business with the bank like being in the process of applying for a loan, it is good to pause and question if you receive an email, phone call, or text that you are not expecting.  Just a simple phone call to verify it is coming from your contact person is worth the time.

Remember

First Bank will not initiate communication with you and then ask you to give us any of the following. 

*Social Security Number

*Online Banking Secret Word or Password

*PIN number

*One-time passcode you receive

*3-Digit Security Code or expiration date on debit or credit cards

*Passwords

Keeping Your Bank Account Safe!

At our hometown bank in Osage Beach, we want to help you keep your hard-earned money safe and your identity private.  If you are ever concerned that someone may be attempting to scam you, access your account, or obtain your personal information, please call First Bank at the number below, or email us at info@fblake.bank.  You can also call the number on the back of your debit card.  

We are here for you and happy to help you. If you would like further peace of mind when it comes to your bank account and personal identity, ask us about Kasasa Protect and the CardValetApp offered at First Bank of the Lake! For more tips and information about banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to follow us on social media using the channels below. 

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First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence

Member FDIC. 

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Follow Us On Twitter

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Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265